Banks raise credit card limits for 6 MILLION customers every year without even asking
SIX MILLION credit card customers have been given a higher limit in the last year - without asking for it.
Research from Citizens' Advice found millions had their limit increased by an average of £1,481 without their consent, with 12 per cent given an increase of more than £3,000.
The practice is pushing millions of people further into debt, the charity warned, with more than a third of cardholders (32 per cent) who were given a raise worried they can't payback their current debts.
One woman asked for help from Citizens' Advice, after she ran up a debt of £3,500 which she was unable to clear after beginning with a limit of just £500.
Less than a quarter - 23 per cent - who were given a raise actually asked for it.
The findings have added to fears the UK is in the midst of a credit crisis, with the charity now calling on chancellor Philip Hammond to ban banks and card companies from being able to raise limits without permission in next week's budget.
Gillian Guy, chief exec of Citizens' Advice, said: “It’s clear that credit card companies are contributing to the rise in consumer debt.
"Rather than credit card holders seeking to take on more debts, lenders are actively pushing it on people without enough consideration as to who can afford to pay and who can’t.
"Few consumers support unsolicited increases and our research shows that they make people’s debt problems worse.
"The chancellor must step in to prevent credit card companies weighing people down with unwanted debt - particularly when they are already struggling to keep their heads above water."
Some 85 per cent of people the charity surveyed think card firms should always ask permission before raising someone's limit.
Last month, city watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned that around five million people are struggling to pay their credit card bills.
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It also found that millions of households would struggle to cope with even just a £50 rise in their monthly bills.
And those in serious debt could be given a six-week grace period to help them get out of the red, under new plans being considered by the Government.
People with significant money troubles would stop incurring charges and interest on their debts during the period to help them get back on track.
5 steps to get out of debt
Being in serious debt can cause serious problems. But there are some steps you can take to try and get a grip of your money troubles.
- WORK out how much you owe. If your debt repayments excluding your mortgage take more than 20 per cent of your net monthly income you are entering a danger zone and must take steps to cut back.
- Budget. Taking the time to come up with an accurate budget to help keep track of your spending makes it easier to come up with a schedule for repaying your debts.
- Be disciplined. Don’t borrow more money or take on any debts until you have repaid what you already owe.
- Switch energy supplier and bank accounts. Shopping around for cheaper gas and electricity can save you hundreds of pounds.
- Move your debt onto a 0 per cent balance transfer credit card, which will give borrowers more time to pay off their debt and are interest-free for a set period of time.
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